3.3-3.9.2026: Enemy of the Good

Today we have a Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse in the hyper-critical sign of Virgo. Astro Queen Chani Nicholas tells us this lunar eclipse is “all about exposing the ugly truth of perfectionism. Occurring near the South Node at 3:33 am PT, this eclipse reminds us that being flawless is not only impossible, but that striving after it is what keeps us from coming together and making collective progress. But we can’t build coalitions if we’re always policing each other. And we can’t get the help we need if we don’t first admit that we need help. So instead of fixating on your mistakes this week, be honest and figure out how you can be of service. Now is the time to release unattainable expectations — for yourself, for other people, and for the movements that keep us going.”

In honor of this energy, I thought I’d focus today’s collective reading on the topic of perfectionism. As a recovering perfectionist with my South Node in Virgo, this theme resonates with me deeply—I’m sure none of you can relate ;). According to my birth chart, it is my karmic, lifelong mission to work on releasing control in favor of surrendering to life's flow. Piece of cake, right?

Wrong.

Perfectionist mindset can leave us in a perpetual “freeze state,” as we find ourselves unable to make a decision or make a move for fear of getting it wrong. Like the figure shown in the Two of Swords, we sit trapped by our own state of analysis paralysis, disconnected from our intuition and unsure whether to follow the head or the heart. Have you ever felt yourself trapped by indecision, blind to the truth or the way forward like the figure we see seated here? Once I identified that I was, in fact, a person who tends to let perfect be the enemy of good, I started noticing my perfectionist habits more and more and working to release them. I dreamt I was blissfully swimming through a winding stream with porcelain, bathtub-like walls. I read The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. I created a little sign for my work cubicle that reads “Take Messy Action.” It has been liberating to remind myself that good enough is enough, that practice makes perfect permanent, and that messy action is better than no action at all.

The Seven of Swords reveals the uncomfortable truth: that perfection is, after all, a lie. We are not robots. We are human beings—flawed and gorgeous, we stumble our way through life. Perfection is an illusion. A mirage. An unattainable goal. We are all imposters, faking it ‘til we make it, building the plane as we fly, all of us. No one has it all figured out (and wouldn’t life be boring if we did?). To believe that perfection is achievable or to try to give the impression that we’re flawless is a mistake that will eventually catch up with us.

So what will help us release perfection’s hold? Becoming present in our physical bodies. Reminding ourselves that we are SAFE, even if we make a mistake or reveal ourselves as less than perfect. Grounding ourselves to Mother Earth—and seeing our earthly bodies reflected in her. After all, we do not expect the trees to grow in perfect symmetry with smooth and blemish-free bark. We do not ridicule the octopus for the interesting way she moves across the ocean floor. We do not nitpick the sunrise if it’s a little less vibrant than it was yesterday. You are an integral part of nature. So why treat yourself with any less kindness and grace than you would give these beautiful creations? The Queen of Pentacles urges you to see what she sees. The constellation of freckles on your face and body are as vibrant and awe-inspiring as the stars in the sky. The way you laugh is like water bubbling wildly around the scattered stones of the river. The wrinkles in your forehead are reminiscent of the windblown desert sand. You are beautiful and worthy and respectable and dignified just as you are.

For more on escaping the trap of perfectionism, check out this episode of This is Not Therapy, a podcast co-hosted by our very own resident therapist, Kari Goeden.

Exciting news! Katrina will be offering discounted Tarot readings at Achelois Wellness in Chisago City on Saturday, March 7, 2-4pm. In honor of International Women’s Day, all proceeds will be donated to the Achelois Healing Fund, which provides subsidized therapy and holistic wellness services to individuals experiencing financial hardship. Tarot for a good cause? Count me in!